Mexico Family Journey: The Heart of the Yucatán

Welcome to Playa del Carmen –your arrival transfer to the hotel is included. Check in and get excited to meet your fellow travelers during a welcome meeting this evening where all families can bond before the Journey ahead.

TRANSPORT: You will be met at the airport and transferred to the hotel to start your adventure.

ACTIVITY: Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.

Your adventure-filled day begins with a ferry ride to the island of Cozumel. Protected by offshore reefs, Cozumel was sparsely populated, but pirates and trading ships often sought shelter and replenished their supplies here. During the Mayan period the island was used as a commercial and ceremonial centre, making it home to several small archaeological sites with deep historical significance. Travel by jeep on an island safari while learning about the land and efforts to protect the nearby reefs. Swim in the clear waters, enjoy lunch with a view, and listen to stories of the ancient Maya. Return to the hotel in Playa del Carmen where dinner will be at your leisure.

TRANSPORT: Sit back and enjoy the views from the water on your ferry ride between Playa del Carmen and Cozumel.

ACTIVITY: Set off by jeep to explore the island of Cozumel today. Begin by heading to the island's ruins with time to explore, take photos, and learn more about their historical significance. Head to the east side of Cozumel for a quick visit to the Chen Río Beach and El Mirador, offering stunning views of the ocean and great photo opportunities for the whole family. Afterwards, continue to a nearby beach club where there will be time for snorkelling and an included lunch by the water. The group will be here for about 90 minutes and your local guide will distribute and give instructions on the use of any safety equipment for snorkelling.

TRANSPORT: After a fun day exploring Cozumel, you can rest and relax on the ferry ride back to Playa del Carmen.

After breakfast, begin the journey to Merída. The first stop along the way will be to Chichen Itzá. National Geographic has ranked Chichen Itzá as the best Mayan ruin to visit in Mexico. This significant archaeological site is one of the New 7 Wonders of the World, and houses 26 ruins in one location. Join an expert guide who will teach you about the site, including the pyramid, known as El Castillo or El Caracol. You’ll also see the largest Maya ball court in the Americas–Tlachtli.

Your next stop is the small Maya community of Yaxunah. Join a knowledgeable guide and learn more about this vibrant community and their rich cultural history. Prepare for a hands-on experience and participate in communal life with the artisan workers, at the horticultural plots and with beekeepers or milperos (corn farmers). Arrive in Merída in the early evening and have dinner on your own.

TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

ACTIVITY: Meet up with a local expert and explore Chichén Itzá on a family-focused tour. Follow your trusty guides through this dramatic site, including a 30m (98 ft) high temple, known as the Pyramid of Kukulcan. This significant archaeological site is one of the New 7 Wonders of the World and houses 26 Mayan Ruins in one place. Identify ruins like the Chichen Itza Pyramid also known as El Castillo, or El Caracol, the Observatory, the Temple of The Warriors, and the largest Maya ball court in the Americas–tlachtli. Wander around the ruins as your guide shares stories of the beliefs and rituals that defined this ancient Mayan civilization and use those imaginations to step back in time for a glimpse of what it might have been like to experience this sacred city and religious centre during its glory days.

TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the comfort of your private vehicle between Chichén Itzá and Mérida. There will be a short stop along the way at a G for Good Community Project.

ACTIVITY: The community of Yaxunah is located in the central part of the state of Yucatán, México about 19km southwest of the great Maya ruins of Chichén Itzá. This location itself is historical with ruins of colonial era haciendas and a nearby church. During your visit here, the group will be given an introduction to the community's history as well as a demonstration on how the traditional Cochinita Pibil dish is made (lots of marinated and braised pork in achiote paste, orange juice, and lime). Afterwards, try your hand at tortilla making as a family before sitting down for a delicious traditionally cooked lunch.

Head into the jungle and marvel at the cenotes, giant holes in the earth filled with clear blue water. Considered sacred to the ancient Maya, cenotes have been studied by National Geographic Explorers like Dr. Guillermo de Anda extensively. Dive in with your family and channel your inner archeologist while exploring these waterways. Santa Barbara is home to 4 different pools to choose from, offering truly unique swimming experiences with the bonus of using a colorful small train as transport between. Return to Merída in the early evening for a free evening.

TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the comfort of your private vehicle between Mérida and the Santa Barbara cenotes.

ACTIVITY: It’s a kid’s dream! Think massive sinkholes full of cool, inviting water, surrounded by blue sky above. It’s no wonder it feels like you’ve entered another realm. Spend the day visiting different cenotes in Santa Bárbara and travel between them by the iconic Santa Bárbara express train, a unique experience for the entire family. Lunch will be served in between the adventurous swimming, and the spread will be Yucatán Regional staples like, Papadzules, Poc Chuc, and Sopa de Lima.

TRANSPORT: After an adventurous day at the cenotes, settle in to your private vehicle and return to Mérida.

Spend part of the day observing wildlife in the Celestún Biosphere Reserve with knowledgeable local guides. In the reserve there are over 200 species of birds that migrate or live here year-round. The area also serves as a hatching ground for endangered sea turtles. During winter the wetland boasts flocks of thousands of flamingos, offering quite a sight. Be sure to remain on the lookout for other wildlife like herons, ducks and pelicans. This immersive experience offers a wonderful opportunity to learn about and appreciate diverse wildlife in their natural habitat. The afternoon back in Merída will be free to explore as you choose.

TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the comfort of your private vehicle between Celestún and Mérida.

TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the comfort of your private vehicle between Mérida and Celestún.

FREE TIME: Arrive back to Mérida in the late afternoon and enjoy the rest of the day and evening free to do as you please. Spend time as a family, walk around, and opt to grab dinner at one of the nearby local spots.

ACTIVITY: The Celestún Biosphere Reserve is located on the northwestern part of the Yucatán Peninsula. It's home to an extensive network of mangrove wetlands, making it a hot spot for birds and other wildlife. As you ride in a boat on the river with your guide, be on the lookout for the diverse populations of migratory and resident avian species. After the boat ride, there will be free time at a beach in the reserve that has a restaurant where the group will have lunch before returning back to Mérida. Please keep in mind that the presence of American Flamingos is seasonal and you will only be able to see them between November and March each year.

Ascend the pyramid steps of Kinich Kak Moo, Izamal’s Mayan pyramid and witness the excitement on your kids’ faces as they conquer the ancient steps and take in the panoramic views from the top. Spend time here amid the buildings of uniform yellow and enjoy some ice cream before the drive back to the coast and white sand beaches of Playa del Carmen. Return to the hotel and relax with a swim in the pool or take advantage of some of the hotel’s many amenities to unwind after your day’s journey.

TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

ACTIVITY: Visit Izamal and the The Kinich Kakmó Pyramid, dedicated to the Sun God or "Fire Macaw". Spread across a sprawling three acres. Climb the steps to the top of this 110 ft / 34 m tall pyramid and enjoy views of the surrounding site. Dating back to the Pre-Classic period this is one of the oldest Mayan structures. The structure was also built over a cave which holds an important place in the religion and mythology of the Maya.After exploring head to town amid the yellow buildings and enjoy a nice cold ice cream.

TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the comfort of your private vehicle. Please note you will cross a time zone along this route.

Enjoy a day on your own, taking advantage of the optional activities in the area, lounging by the hotel pool, or building sandcastles on the beach. You can also choose to pre-book a visit to the Mayan city of Tulum, the only Mayan city built on a coast and one of the few protected by a wall of limestone. In the evening, join your fellow travelers for an included farewell dinner where everyone can swap stories and reflect on a week of fun and engaging exploration.

In the evening there will be an included final group dinner where everyone can swap stories and reflect on a week well spent in a deeply historical part of the world.

FREE TIME: FULL DAY Enjoy a full free day as a family in Playa del Carmen. From hanging out on the beach to taking a day trip to Tulum, there are endless options to get out and enjoy this slice of paradise.

Depart at any time.